Eurocopter’s AS550 C3 Fennec helicopter is making its Indian public debut

Eurocopter is showcasing two of its military helicopters at Aero-India 2011: The Fennec AS550C3, competing for the Indian Army's scout helicopter and AS565 Naval Panther, proposed for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. Photo: Eurocopter

Aero India 2011. Fennec is considered one of the leading candidates for India’s acquisition of new armed scout helicopter. In preparation for this tender, the AS550 C3 Fennec recently completed field trials with full mission equipment for the Indian Armed Forces’ reconnaissance and surveillance applications. The Indian Army is planning to replace the existing fleet of Indian-produced Cheetah and Chetak helicopters (both which are based on Eurocopter Alouette II and III rotary-wing aircraft.)

Eurocopter is showcasing two of its military helicopters at Aero-India 2011: The Fennec AS550C3, competing for the Indian Army’s scout helicopter and AS565Naval Panther, proposed for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. Photo: EurocopterOur Sponsor: RAFAEL

The military-certified and combat-proven AS550 C3 Fennec offers exceptional performance at high altitudes and in hot weather conditions. In addition to operating in Chile’s Andes Mountains at altitudes over 5,000 meters, Fennec helicopters have landed on Mount Everest and the Sziachin glacier in the Himalayas. Last month, a Royal Malaysian Navy Fennec assisted in the rescue of a hijacked Malaysian chemical tanker and its crew, firing on the Somali pirates’ mother ship to keep it at bay.

Along with the Fennec’s presence at Aero India 2011, Eurocopter’s participation will also focus on the AS565Naval Panther – a version of the Dauphin family, which is well suited for requirements of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard.